Ketamine Connections

Episode 41 | 35,000 Ketamine Infusions Later: What We’ve Learned About Healing with Sam Mandel of Ketamine Clinics LA

If you’ve ever wondered whether ketamine therapy really works—or how to find a reputable clinic—this episode is your guide. Anna sits down with Sam Mandel, co-founder and CEO of Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles, one of the first IV ketamine clinics in the world. With over 35,000 infusions under their belt and an 83% treatment success rate, Sam shares the lessons he’s learned about healing, compassionate care, and what actually makes ketamine treatment effective.

Sam has been featured in Entrepreneur as one of the Top 10 Inspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023, earned two 2024 Stevie Awards for Best Entrepreneur and Thought Leader, and continues to raise the bar in psychedelic-assisted mental health care.

We get into:

  • The real reason some clinics get better results (hint: it's not just the ketamine)
  • The gold standard of ketamine administration (and why IV might be worth traveling for)
  • How Big Pharma’s involvement changed the conversation around ketamine
  • What people still get wrong about ketamine therapy
  • The truth about dosage, neuroplasticity, and personalized protocols
  • Why kindness, care, and clinic culture matter more than you think
  • A few fun tangents involving monkeys and the "stoned ape theory" 🐒

This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how ketamine treatment has evolved—and where it's going next. Whether you're preparing for your first infusion or exploring integration, you’ll walk away with powerful insights.

🧠 Resources & Mentions:

🎁 Special Offer from Sam: Mention Ketamine Connections to receive a free consultation + $400 off a series of ketamine infusions at Ketamine Clinics LA.

✨ Want to make the most of your ketamine journey?
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol is now available as a self-paced course—and we’re hosting a LIVE group call on May 22 to support you in integrating the material, asking questions, and connecting with others on the path.

🎁 When you enroll before May 22, you’ll get immediate access to the full course + a special invite to the call.
 👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kpp

Keywords:
ketamine therapy, ketamine clinics, IV ketamine, ketamine for depression, ketamine for PTSD, ketamine infusion Los Angeles, Sam Mandel, Ketamine Clinics LA, psychedelic therapy, neuroplasticity, ketamine success rate, personalized ketamine protocol, ketamine preparation course, integration after ketamine